I write to you with tremendous excitement about the recent passage of H.R. 1660, which promotes the objectives of the first USA Science & Engineering Festival. This national festival, which will take place in Washington, DC from October 10-24, 2010, will feature over 550 organizations from across the United States.

As a strong proponent of innovation, education and entrepreneurship, I support this festival and all the organizations that will take part in it. It’s a fantastic way to engage Americans – especially young Americans – through presentations, discussions, exhibitions and demonstrations about relevant topics involving science and engineering.

This inaugural festival makes me excited for the future – and especially for the possibility that Eastern Washington’s businesses, organizations, and science teachers will play a leading role in next year’s Science & Engineering Festival. This would be a fantastic opportunity to showcase and celebrate Eastern Washington’s focus on science, technology and innovation.

As your Representative, I will continue to support educational opportunities for America’s future scientists and engineers. This year’s USA Science & Engineering Festival reaffirms our focus on innovation, competition and the advancement of education across the country.

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–On September 28, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives approved H. Res 1660 honoring and supporting the goals of the inaugural USA Science & Engineering Festival. The Festival, which will take place in the greater Washington DC area from October 10-24, 2010, will be the country’s first national celebration of science and engineering. Over 550 organizations across the country including professional associations, science, technology and engineering companies, government agencies, colleges and universities, and over 200 K-12 schools, are coming together to invigorate the interest of America’s youth in science.

“A bi-partisan group of legislators worked together in recent weeks to spotlight our efforts on developing a new generation of American talent so our nation does not outsource innovation.”

“Congressional recognition of the importance of science and engineering to future American competitiveness can help us affect real change,” Larry Bock, festival creator and executive director said. “A bi-partisan group of legislators worked together in recent weeks to spotlight our efforts on developing a new generation of American talent so our nation does not outsource innovation.”

Congressman Brian Bilbray (R-CA), who last year witnessed the success of the San Diego Science Festival which inspired this national effort, graciously led the effort to pass H. Res 1660. House Science Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN), Representative Pete Olson (R-TX) and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) were also critical to this effort. “This is a unique opportunity for thousands of Americans to learn more about science and engineering from exhibits, participation, demonstrations, performances and discussions,” said Brian Bilbray (R-CA).

The Senate unanimously agreed to its version of the resolution, S. Res 656. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) were co-sponsors of the resolution. Senator Ted Kaufman (D-DE) and Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) were also strong supporters.

To hear more of the discussion about H. Res 1660. Here is a link to the conversation on C-Span: http://www.c-spanarchives.org/program/295685-2&start=16174.028&end=16758.381

Throughout the month of October, hundreds of volunteers will help create America’s largest celebration of science – an effort which is expected to reach more than one million participants nationwide. The USA Science & Engineering Festival includes brown bag lunches for students with Nobel Laureates, scientists visiting K-12 schools to share their excitement about what they do, and a grand finale Expo on the National Mall with 1500 hands-on, interactive exhibits, 75 stage shows and even a night of stargazing. www.usasciencefestival.org.